What can you enjoy away from the city hustle during the IAC 2023?

Often cited as a city of contrasts, Baku is not only known for its inspiring attractions in the city centre, but also for rich historical heritage in the suburbs. Let’s see what will lure you in with intriguing details, unique history and magical surroundings within a short distance from the bustling city.

One such spot is the Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve, located just about 40-minute drive from Baku. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its universal value, this site is home to more than 6,000 rock engravings among which the oldest ones date back to 40,000 years ago. You can learn about the prehistoric times in Azerbaijan in a well-established museum and follow this visit with an outdoor excursion to the actual carvings that describe scenes from daily lives of various periods as well as ancient human settlements and caves. You will even find a musical stone here and who knows, maybe compose your own original piece in a split second!

Azerbaijan is also home to the largest collection of mud volcanoes located within a very short drive from Gobustan. These sensational and bubbling wonders will definitely make you feel like out of this planet and walking on the surface of another. Observe some of the largest mud volcanoes in the world and enjoy this unusual landscape!

On the opposite direction of these two remarkable destinations, there are some more historically- and naturally-established places to explore. One of them is Ateshgah or Fire Temple built in the 17th-18th centuries. Built around naturally burning flames attracting Zoroastrians at first, the temple served as a pilgrimage site for fire-worshipping Hindus too until about the end of the 19th century.

Located nearby is Yanardag with hillside flames blazing permanently. Here, you can enjoy the surroundings while riding off-road electric scooters! Both places are furnished with interactive museums too, allowing visitors to get familiar with the fire-worshipping traces in the country.

It doesn’t mean you should limit yourself to the locations within only short distance. There are some nice options, such as winery visits, to enjoy if you wish to travel a bit further without going too far. One of them could be Meysari Wines in Shamakhi to the north-west of Baku, with a splendid vineyard on Caucasian slopes together with a fine restaurant serving dishes made of organic produce. To the north of Shamakhi, there is another winery called Chabiant in Ismayilli where you can couple an indulgent wine tasting with an overnight stay at its guesthouse to wake up to magical sunrise with impressive Caucasus Mountains accompanying you.

So, if you would like to get away from all the hustle, try some of these places for some gripping facts about different periods in Azerbaijan as well as more tranquil experiences.

Find out more on https://www.iac2023.org/.